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The incredible experiences that I participate in through the Non-Traditional Species organization play a significant role in my drive to truly understand veterinary medicine. At times, class can seem unbearable and the presented information too difficult to comprehend, but after attending an NTS function and seeing how I can apply principals discussed in class, I am re-energized to expend the extra energy required to gain a true understanding of the lessons in class. It really gives me the chance to fully appreciate what the field of veterinary medicine has to offer me as well as I to offer the field of veterinary medicine!
— Class of 2006
Becoming a leader of Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Fraternity has not only provided me with great leadership experience, but also a great venue to interact with all levels of students through community service, fundraisers, and social activities. This networking also extends to the national level through yearly meetings such as grand council and chapter retreats. A great way to boost your involvement outside of the classroom!
— Class of 2005
The network of other vet students I have met through Omega Tau Sigma is extensive. At any professional meeting I know at least one other person from a different school because of the OTS connection.
— Class of 2004
By attending professional conferences through Production Medicine Club, I was able to meet hundreds of future colleagues and find a great job.
I’ve greatly enjoyed being a member of the Production Medicine Club. Along with learning more about opportunities in production medicine, I have been able to participate in many club-sponsored wetlabs such as phlebotomy, meat quality assurance, hoof trimming, and palpation. The wetlabs help demonstrate concepts learned in the classroom and allow their practical application.
— Class of 2004
Production Medicine Club is not just for students with farm backgrounds, rather it offers experiences to students from every background. The hands-on wet labs are building blocks that can come in handy in fourth year and in future careers.
I think that the Production Medicine Club is a great way to network. When I attended the AABP conference I got to talk to a practitioner that I worked for and he introduced me to other practitioners.
— Class of 2006
I am currently the vice president of our chapter of Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and I’ve been active for three years. My involvement with SVECCS has allowed me to pursue a specific professional interest in emergency and critical care while progressing through the veterinary curriculum.
As much as events sponsored by a SVECCS are an opportunity to become more knowledgeable in the field, the introduction to the demands of the specialty and the communication with clinicians, interns, residents, practitioners, and technicians is of equal benefit. Student members are able to have a fast-track in the parent professional VECC society and are more able to easily transition from student to practitioner.
More often than not, a student at one time or another feels overwhelmed or frustrated with the direction of his/her veterinary education as the curriculum is diverse and the time management demanding. SVECCS provides me with the support I need to refocus and re-energize my interests.
If nothing else being a member of SVECCS, as with other clubs, allows me to enter a comfort zone of colleagues and peers. SVECCS is one of many professional clubs at the University of Illinois that I respect for its contribution to the profession and the sincere interest the club takes in a certain subject matter. From ethics to internationalism, oncology to production medicine, the future of these veterinary disciplines are being created now and Illinois is an active member in the development of motivated and educated future practitioners.
— Class of 2004
Student Veterinary Emergency and Clinical Care Society is an excellent complement to the basic science education provided in the first year. The topics presented in wet labs and lectures push towards building the foundation of the basics sciences to a clinical edifice.
— Class of 2006
Surgery Club is amazing in that it offers several wet labs for one to develop surgical technique and skill, while related lectures pronounce the necessity of anatomical knowledge and physiological understanding.
— Class of 2006
This is the first year of the new and exciting Surgery Club. The club was founded in order to give first- through third-year students a more hands-on knowledge of the fundamentals of surgery. Thus far the club has held lectures and labs about the basics of surgery such as suturing (types, techniques and reasoning) and bandaging/casting. This semester is a bit more advanced. The club anticipates such things as lectures and wet labs on spay/neuters (techniques, purposes and iatrogenic possibilities), basic ophthalmology surgical techniques, and a variety of other possibilities.
Success of the club thus far is a direct result of the hard work put forth by the co presidents Sharz Heideri and Adam Conroy along with faculty adviser Dr. Dianne Dunning and all of the resident doctors who donated their time. Few veterinary colleges have a surgery club or any related club, but University of Illinois can now say that they do.
There are so many aspects of Veterinary Medicine that are incredibly important to being a successful veterinarian that are not included in our curriculum due to the lack of time. Some examples are communication and business skills, time and life management skills, delegation, job searching and interviewing tips, and the wide array of job positions our DVM allows us to partake in.
Veterinary Practice Builders Association really does a good job of providing that extra knowledge and in doing so, builds us into a more well rounded professional and individual.
— Class of 2005
The Veterinary Practice Builders Association has given me the opportunity to learn about the rarely touched upon business side of veterinary medicine. It’s also given me an outlet for meeting other future vets in other classes.
— Class of 2006
The Veterinary Practice Builders Association is a wonderful club and I think it should be mandatory for everyone in our field. It doesn’t only help us realize what financial issues we will have to deal with upon graduating but also issues which we will be facing in the real world while practicing. Not to mention, it helps to review those ideas and concepts driven into me through the MBA program which is currently on the back burner because this curriculum is so demanding.
The Wildlife Medical Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is truly the best experience to gain hands-on clinical experience in the first few years of the veterinary program. All of the volunteers are extremely dedicated and make a significant contribution to not only saving wildlife, but to the community and conservation.
— Class of 2005
The Wildlife Medical Clinic has provided me with valuable hands-on experience with animals in my first year as well as taught me to rely on my future colleagues when working on cases.
— Class of 2006
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